The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is warning that the noise pollution associated with urban expansion is threatening the existence of Britain's tranquil countryside.

A new series of maps published this week by CPRE reveal that each year an area the size of Greater London falls victim to the clamour of expanding motorways, flight paths and local industry.

In the early 1960s just 26 per cent of England's countryside felt the effects of urbanisation, but that figure has now nearly doubled and CPRE is warning that the remaining undisturbed 50 per cent could be swallowed up within just 80 years.

The group's chief executive Shaun Spiers highlighted the widespread impact on rural communities: "Development of all kinds fragments the countryside, undermining the qualities of tranquillity, openness and immersion in the rural landscape which people most value about it."

He added: "The findings are a wake-up call for the government. It must strengthen policy to protect the remaining areas of undisturbed land and protect it for future generations."

Installing double glazing is one popular way of blocking out unwanted noise from nearby traffic and industry.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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